Assessment of Socio-economic and Environmental Impacts of Community forests at Rahad Agricultural Scheme-Sudan

Abstract

This study was carried out in El Rahad Agricultural scheme in 2017. The main objective of this study is to assess the social, economical and environmental impacts of community forests in the Rahad Agriculture scheme. Secondary data was obtained from reports, records, and previous related studies. In addition to semi- structured interviews were held with some officials and key informants. A questionnaire was used to collect the primary data and 50 respondents were interviewed, which constitute about 20% out the total number of target group in the study area, including foresters, farmers, citizens, and community committees. SPSS soft ware programme was used to analyze the data using frequency and percentages. The study showed that the community forest provided local needs of people such as fuel wood (firewood and charcoal ), building poles and fodder for livestock. In addition to social services (health, education, water and recreational services). Acacia nilotica trees are considered as main trees at the study area. The study recommended that the extension and forest authorities need to exert great efforts to enhance people participation in community forest management and conservation particularly to activate the legislation that obliges farmers to establish 5%of irrigated scheme with trees.